| Life is stressful and menopause can be stressful as | | | | relaxation response. Yoga helps to improve flexibility |
| well. We are all seeking ways to manage stress and | | | | and mobility, increasing range of movement and |
| handle fear and anxiety during this time of life. Many | | | | reducing aches and pains. |
| women have turned to yoga in their search for | | | | - Yoga increases strength. Yoga asanas use every |
| something to alleviate that stress and achieve serenity. | | | | muscle in the body, helping to increase strength from |
| Even after only a short time of attending Yoga | | | | head to toe. Yoga also relieves muscular tension. |
| classes, you'll notice the stress reduction benefits. | | | | - Yoga can aid weight control efforts by reducing |
| Because Yoga is non-competitive and the focus is on | | | | cortisol levels and by burning excess calories and |
| yourself, it appeals to many women. | | | | reducing stress. It also encourages healthy eating |
| In Yoga you do what you can in each asana (yoga | | | | habits and provides a heightened sense of well-being |
| posture) using your breath and awareness to stay | | | | and self-esteem. |
| focused in the present moment. | | | | - Yoga helps to improve circulation and more efficiently |
| The health and fitness benefits of Yoga are now | | | | moves oxygenated blood to the body's cells. |
| being confirmed by scientific research, even though for | | | | - Even a gentle Yoga practice can provide |
| centuries anecdotal evidence was abundant. | | | | cardiovascular benefits by lowering resting heart rate, |
| Stress and pain relief are two of the benefits of Yoga. | | | | increasing endurance and improving oxygen uptake |
| Yoga reduces the physical effects of stress on the | | | | during exercise. |
| body by encouraging relaxation and lowering the levels | | | | - Yoga helps to improve body alignment, resulting in |
| of the stress hormone cortisol. Related benefits are | | | | better posture and helping to relieve back, neck, joint |
| the lowering of blood pressure and heart rate, | | | | and muscle problems. |
| improving digestion and boosting the immune system, | | | | - Yoga helps individuals to focus on the present, to |
| along with easing symptoms of anxiety, depression, | | | | become more aware and to help create better health. |
| fatigue, asthma and insomnia. | | | | It opens the way to improved coordination, reaction |
| According to Yoga Alliance, studies have shown that | | | | time and memory. |
| practicing Yoga postures also reduces pain for people | | | | Many of the benefits mentioned here will also serve to |
| with conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and | | | | ease your menopausal symptoms and optimize your |
| auto-immune diseases, as well as arthritis, back and | | | | health for the rest of your life. |
| neck pain and other chronic conditions. | | | | I've been teaching Yoga for 10 years now, and while |
| Here's what else the Alliance says about Yoga: | | | | it's not for everyone, it has much to offer. Find a class |
| - Yoga can lead to better breathing and flexibility, | | | | and teacher that you feel comfortable with and give it |
| teaching people to take slower, deeper breaths, helping | | | | a try. |
| to improve lung function and triggering the body's | | | | |